Domiciliary nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation in severe COPD: effects on lung function and quality of life.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of domiciliary nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on lung function and quality of life in hypercapnic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fourteen hypercapnic COPD patients in a stable clinical condition were evaluated in a prospective study of domiciliary NIPPV plus long-term oxygen therapy. Baseline data obtained during a 4 week run-in period were compared with measurements at the end of the 6 month study period. Spirometric parameters, arterial blood gas tensions, and quality of life were assessed. Quality of life was measured using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the French version of the Nottingham Health Profile (FVNHP). All patients completed 6 months of domiciliary NIPPV. Gastro-intestinal inflation was reported by eight patients. Daytime arterial oxygen tension and arterial carbon dioxide tension, improved after therapy. During the NIPPV study period, the total SGRQ score and impacts score both improved significantly; significant improvements were also noted in the total FVNHP score and the physical mobility, emotional reactions, and energy component scores. Domiciliary nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation combined with long-term oxygen therapy has been found to improve blood gases in spontaneous ventilation, as well as the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.